Ending the suspense, the ruling AIADMK on Wednesday declared Edappadi Palaniswami's name as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the Tamil Nadu election due to be held in 2021. O Panneerselvam was the other chief contender for the candidacy.

EPS and OPS are considered to be rivals within the AIADMK. Several political observers had concluded that EPS would win the faction war in the party. "A delicate balance of power between EPS and OPS has been achieved for now," media reports suggested.

Two days before the big announcement, O Paneerselvam stated on social media that all decisions were being taken keeping in mind the interests of Tamil Nadu as well as the ruling party's cadres. He even sounded statesmanly by quoting the Bhagavad Gita.

Observers say that the 2021 elections will be won by the DMK.